FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What travel documentation do I need?

UNITED STATES CITIZENS

All United States citizens must have a Government Issued Passport, valid for at least six months beyond the return date of your trip, in order to travel to the United Kingdom. Your passport must have at least one blank page per stamp. More information for United States citizens can be found HERE.

NON-UNITED STATES CITIZENS

If you are NOT a United States citizen (are traveling on a non-United States passport), please verify your specific documentation and vaccination requirements with your country's consulate before departing. Please note that non-United States citizens may require a visa to enter the United Kingdom, may require passports be valid for at least six months beyond your return date, and may require blank passport pages for entry and/or exit stamps.

ALL GUESTS

It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to verify and obtain all necessary documentation and vaccination requirements when traveling to another country. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return and may require blank passport pages for entry and exit stamps. Some citizens may be required to obtain a Visa and/or have specific vaccinations to the United Kingdom.

We also recommend packing a photocopy of the picture and signature pages of your passport. If your passport should get lost, the photocopies will make it much easier to get an emergency replacement.

Q. How do I get a passport? (United States Citizens)

Click HERE to learn everything you need to know about how to obtain or renew a United States passport.

Q. Do I need a Visa to travel to the UK?

Starting January 8, 2025, travelers visiting the UK for less than six months will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Key Details:

What is an ETA?

Advance travel permission for specified non-visa nationals visiting or transiting the UK.

Each traveler, including children and babies, must apply for their own ETA.

An ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry to the UK; permission must still be obtained on arrival.

Who Needs an ETA?

Travelers visiting the UK for under six months starting January 8, 2025.

Those staying for longer (e.g., to live, work, or study) should refer to the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website for requirements.

When to Apply?

ETA applications open November 27, 2024 for most non-visa nationals.

Action for Existing Visa Holders:

The UK is transitioning from physical immigration documents to eVisas. Visa holders should create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Plan Ahead:

Ensure all necessary travel documentation is in place before your trip. For more details and to apply for an ETA, visit:

UK ETA Application and Travel Information

Q. What airport should I arrive and depart from and when should I plan to arrive and depart?

Flights should arrive and depart from the Heathrow Airport (LHR).

Arrival Parameter: Flights should arrive by 3:00 PM at the Heathrow Airport on July 21, 2025.

Departure Parameters: Flights should depart St. Andrews on July 30, 2025. Please note that hotel check-out is 11:00 AM. Departures from the hotel after this time will require a late check-out request and could be subject to fees from the hotel.

Q. Can I extend my stay in the United Kingdom?

Hotel extensions may be available up to three nights prior to July 21, 2025 and up to three nights after July 30, 2025 and can be requested when you fill out the trip registration form.

Hotel extensions are an additional cost. Extensions are based on hotel availability and are NOT guaranteed until confirmed with the hotel. Please do NOT solidify your airfare until your extension dates have been confirmed. If you would like to extend your trip, please contact Destinations for pricing and availability.

If you book extension dates and then later cancel, you will be held liable for the cancellation fees for those extension nights.

Q. When should I leave for the airport?

The recommended airport check-in time for international flights is three hours prior to departure.

Please check with your airline for schedule changes or flight delays and confirm the recommended check-in time prior to leaving for the airport. Please remember to allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the airport, are leaving during heavy traffic times, or have excess baggage.

For general travel information issued by the State Department, please visit the U.S. Department of State website at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html.

Q. How much luggage can I take?

Carry-On Bags

Most airlines permit each passenger to take one carry-on bag and one additional personal carry-on item, such as a purse or briefcase/laptop case. All carry-on items must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment. Carry-on baggage size requirements differ between airlines so please check with your airline before traveling to make sure your carry-on bags fit your airline's specified dimensions.

Checked Bags

Most airlines will allow you to check bags as well. Please check with your airline to confirm the current luggage limitations and any applicable fees for carry-on and checked baggage. Please note that many airlines charge significant fees for overweight or oversized luggage.

Important Items

Be sure that all baggage and personal belongings are properly insured. Items such as medications, jewelry, or other valuables, breakable or perishable items, and travel documents should be hand-carried. Responsibility will not be assumed by the airline for loss of or damage to these items.

*Please note that all baggage fees are at your own expense.

Q. What items can I carry on?

Due to potential security issues on flights, the Transportation Security Administration has updated its aviation security measures. For the latest information regarding what to bring, what to leave at home, and what to generally expect while traveling, please visit the Transportation Security Administration website at http://www.tsa.gov/.

Q. Can I travel with my medication?

One of the more popular questions we get from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).
Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.
You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.
TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.
Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.
Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

Q. What is the weather like in the United Kingdom?

In July, the weather across London, Oxford, Cambridge, and St Andrews is typically mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time to explore. London, Oxford, and Cambridge experience warm temperatures averaging between 18-25°C (64-77°F), with long daylight hours and occasional rain showers. The cities come alive with outdoor events, bustling markets, and scenic riverside walks. Further north, St Andrews enjoys cooler summer weather, with temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). While the coastal breeze adds a refreshing touch, sunny days are perfect for beach walks and exploring the historic town. Visitors can expect comfortable temperatures, but packing a light jacket and umbrella is recommended for unpredictable rain showers.

Q. What should I pack?

For a summer trip to London, Oxford, Cambridge, and St Andrews, pack a mix of comfortable and versatile clothing to suit both warm days and cooler evenings. Light layers such as t-shirts, blouses, and a lightweight jacket are ideal, along with a sweater for breezy nights. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cobblestone streets and historic sites. Don’t forget a compact umbrella or rain jacket, as the UK’s weather can be unpredictable. If you plan on visiting more formal sites like Westminster Abbey or St Andrews Cathedral, bring modest attire such as long trousers or dresses. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle will also come in handy during sunny days.

Aside from clothing, be sure to bring any prescription drugs, your preferred sunscreen (limited brands are available here), a hat, sunglasses, and mosquito repellent.

Q. What form of currency does the United Kingdom use?

The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (£) as its official currency. Prices are typically displayed with the symbol £ followed by the amount. As of recent exchange rates, £1 GBP is approximately $1.25 USD, but rates can fluctuate, so it's always best to check before your trip. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in larger cities like London, Oxford, and Cambridge, but it's helpful to carry some cash for smaller purchases or rural areas like St Andrews. Many places also accept contactless payments through Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Q. What is the electrical voltage in the United Kingdom?

The UK operates on 230 volts with a Type G plug, which has three rectangular prongs. If you're traveling from the USA, where the standard is 120 volts with Type A or Type B plugs, you'll need a plug adapter to fit UK outlets. Most modern electronics like phone chargers, laptops, and cameras are dual voltage and will work with just an adapter, but always check your device's label to confirm it supports 100-240V. For devices that aren't dual voltage, such as some hair dryers or styling tools, you'll need a voltage converter in addition to the plug adapter.

Q. What if I have a special health concern?

If you have any health concerns that may require special attention, please contact us prior to departure. Passengers requiring prescription medications are advised to keep them in their carry-on luggage. While we don't require information about the extent of your health concern or disability, the more information you can share with us about your specific needs, the better we are able to assist you.